Submitted by CEFCU
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it’s a prime time for scammers to be looking for opportunities to separate people from their money. Unfortunately, they even try to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holiday season with fake charitable causes.
Don’t Let Bah-Humbug Scammers Ruin Your Holiday Spirit
Many people are shopping and spending more money than at other times of the year. So, those with bad intentions think you might not be keeping as close of an eye on spending, and an unusual charge may go unnoticed. There are ways you can go into this holiday shopping season with more confidence, knowing you are spending money on the items you intended.
Tips to Avoid Scams This Holiday Season
- Be cautious of advertisements that pop up as you scroll social media, especially if the deal seems too good to be true. These ads may contain links to fictitious sites set up to steal your card credentials. If you find a great deal, go directly to the merchant’s website and search for the item.
- Use P2P apps, like Venmo or Zelle, to conveniently send money to people you trust, but beware of sellers requesting payment for goods you haven’t received yet. Scammers will post items for sale, like puppies or hard-to-find electronics, and require payment via P2P, then disappear and never deliver the goods.
- Buy gift cards for gifts only. When you can’t find that perfect gift for the more challenging person on your shopping list, gift cards are a great option. But, being pressured to purchase gift cards and share the card details over the phone or in a text message should raise an immediate red flag as a scam. Report gift card scams directly to the gift card issuer and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Research charities before you decide to make a donation. Many charitable organizations have year-end fundraising campaigns, and with the spirit of the season, it’s often a time when we feel more inclined to make donations. If you are being pressured into making the donation, research the charity to make sure your donation will count.
The last thing most people should be worried about during this time of year is falling victim to a scam, but it’s an unfortunate fact that scammers don’t take a break from illegal activity. The bottom line is to stay smart, cautious, and alert to stay safe from scams this holiday season.
You can protect yourself against scammers by staying up-to-date on common scams. One way to do this is by attending a SeniorCents fraud seminar, hosted by CEFCU. The Credit Union features guest speakers, such as fraud specialists from CEFCU and law enforcement representatives, who share tips on how to protect yourself against common scams.
Follow CEFCU on Facebook for more financial education and to find out about upcoming SeniorCents seminars. And, visit cefcu.com/security to get tips on keeping your information safe!
